Prague/Budapest vs Prague/Dubrovnik - need help choosing
May 8th, 2009, 08:56 AM
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Prague/Budapest vs Prague/Dubrovnik - need help choosing
Hi - we're going to Prague for our honeymoon in late Sept/early Oct. We want to also go to either budapest or dubrovnik for 5 days. I realize these are very different experiences but we need some help deciding. which is better that time of year? we love food, wine, architecture, relaxing & exploring. getting back to heathrow from budapest is a lot easier than croatia. which place have you found to be more rewarding? any input is helpful. thanks!
May 8th, 2009, 10:13 AM
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I've not been to Prague, but you are going there anyway!
However I have been to Budapest once for 4 days, and Dubrovnik twice, both times for 4 days I'm going back to Dubrovnik in October for another 4 days.
I will not return to Budapest unless there is an exceptional reason! It is an attractive and elegant city - in places. Parts are delightful. But otherwise you might as well be in any big city, and I felt it had none of the charm of Paris or otehr European cities. It was really quite dirty and grubby, and - to me - felt unfriendly, people did seem to keep themselves to themselves, and after a visit to the Terror Museum it was not difficult to understand why. The shops are the same you get anywhere in Europe.
Dubrovnik, on the other hand is something quite different. The Old Town, surrounded by the walls is traffic free, and has SO much charm it is unbelievable! And the views are stunning from wherever you are. you can visit the islands - Lokrum is the closest and easiest to get to, the Buza Bar to watch the sun go down is a magical experience - just google it, and don't forget to click Images as well for pictures! It is outside the walls clinging to the rocky cliff. Also you can take day trips to Mostar in Bosnia and Montenegro.
One thing I find astonishing about Dubrovnik is that 15 years ago it was shelled heavily in the conflict, by Serbs from Mt Srd above the town. It sustained severe damage and yet there is very little trace now. The new roofs are a different colour, there are pockmarks in the streets where shells landed, there are maps by each gate showing where the hits were. In the Sponza Palace there is the room of the Defenders of Dubrovnik, filled with photographs of all thes beautiful young men who tried to fight off the Serbs. And the fact that all this happened so recently makes it all the more poignant. (But Budapest has its poignant moments too - the tree with the leaves at the Synagogue, the shoes along the river, the Terror Museum.)
The architecture in Dubrovnik is mostly Venetian, but there are all sorts of lovely buildings, little chapels tucked away here and there, great churches and the cathedral, also fortresses. The streets are narrow and it is surprising what you see if you look - rain gutters in the form of a lion's head with the mouth as a spout for example.
Budapest is huge, you can't walk it all, you have to take trams or buses. Dubrovnik is small, but intimate and that is part of its charm.
Does this answer your question? Oh, and Croatian wine is delicious. Someone once posted a thread here about Croatian wine, which was most informative. I'll post the link if I can find it.
In early October it is lovely and warm during the day, but not too hot. You still need sunscreen though. It is cooler in the evenings, but you only need a light second layer.
I'll be back there 5th October, with a friend on her 5th visit, so if you are still there and feel like meeting up...
Any other questions, I'll answer if I can.
But whatever you decide, have a wonderful honeymoon. and congratulations on your marriage!
However I have been to Budapest once for 4 days, and Dubrovnik twice, both times for 4 days I'm going back to Dubrovnik in October for another 4 days.
I will not return to Budapest unless there is an exceptional reason! It is an attractive and elegant city - in places. Parts are delightful. But otherwise you might as well be in any big city, and I felt it had none of the charm of Paris or otehr European cities. It was really quite dirty and grubby, and - to me - felt unfriendly, people did seem to keep themselves to themselves, and after a visit to the Terror Museum it was not difficult to understand why. The shops are the same you get anywhere in Europe.
Dubrovnik, on the other hand is something quite different. The Old Town, surrounded by the walls is traffic free, and has SO much charm it is unbelievable! And the views are stunning from wherever you are. you can visit the islands - Lokrum is the closest and easiest to get to, the Buza Bar to watch the sun go down is a magical experience - just google it, and don't forget to click Images as well for pictures! It is outside the walls clinging to the rocky cliff. Also you can take day trips to Mostar in Bosnia and Montenegro.
One thing I find astonishing about Dubrovnik is that 15 years ago it was shelled heavily in the conflict, by Serbs from Mt Srd above the town. It sustained severe damage and yet there is very little trace now. The new roofs are a different colour, there are pockmarks in the streets where shells landed, there are maps by each gate showing where the hits were. In the Sponza Palace there is the room of the Defenders of Dubrovnik, filled with photographs of all thes beautiful young men who tried to fight off the Serbs. And the fact that all this happened so recently makes it all the more poignant. (But Budapest has its poignant moments too - the tree with the leaves at the Synagogue, the shoes along the river, the Terror Museum.)
The architecture in Dubrovnik is mostly Venetian, but there are all sorts of lovely buildings, little chapels tucked away here and there, great churches and the cathedral, also fortresses. The streets are narrow and it is surprising what you see if you look - rain gutters in the form of a lion's head with the mouth as a spout for example.
Budapest is huge, you can't walk it all, you have to take trams or buses. Dubrovnik is small, but intimate and that is part of its charm.
Does this answer your question? Oh, and Croatian wine is delicious. Someone once posted a thread here about Croatian wine, which was most informative. I'll post the link if I can find it.
In early October it is lovely and warm during the day, but not too hot. You still need sunscreen though. It is cooler in the evenings, but you only need a light second layer.
I'll be back there 5th October, with a friend on her 5th visit, so if you are still there and feel like meeting up...
Any other questions, I'll answer if I can.
But whatever you decide, have a wonderful honeymoon. and congratulations on your marriage!
May 8th, 2009, 10:19 AM
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May 8th, 2009, 11:04 AM
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I’ve been to all three cities. It’s all depends what do you like to do when you travel. I would choose Prague and Dubrovnik. As it’s been said, Budapest is beautiful city but again, it’s just another city.
Prague seemed to be the perfect location for the short city-break tour in the heart of Europe. It’s a cultural hub of museums, palaces, beautiful churches of medieval Gothic architecture. The Prague Castle is must see. Walk through the Lesser Towne to Charles Bridge and to the Old Town. In Old Town, you can find nice restaurants and great shopping with the Manhattan prices. I was there last August and it was a very nice, mild weather, just perfect.
With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Dubrovnik's best bit is the old town of Stari Grad, with its marble-paved squares, steep cobbled streets, tall houses, convents, churches, palaces, fountains and museums, all cut from the same light-colored stone. You can stay a few days there and enjoy the beaches. Banje beach is well located and the most famous Dubrovnik pebble beach with a beautiful view to the Old town. The average temperature in September there is 70 -75 F.
For the comfortable and upscale tour check Isram World of Travel www.isram.com, the company I was using when I planned my trip to Eastern Europe last year.
Prague seemed to be the perfect location for the short city-break tour in the heart of Europe. It’s a cultural hub of museums, palaces, beautiful churches of medieval Gothic architecture. The Prague Castle is must see. Walk through the Lesser Towne to Charles Bridge and to the Old Town. In Old Town, you can find nice restaurants and great shopping with the Manhattan prices. I was there last August and it was a very nice, mild weather, just perfect.
With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Dubrovnik's best bit is the old town of Stari Grad, with its marble-paved squares, steep cobbled streets, tall houses, convents, churches, palaces, fountains and museums, all cut from the same light-colored stone. You can stay a few days there and enjoy the beaches. Banje beach is well located and the most famous Dubrovnik pebble beach with a beautiful view to the Old town. The average temperature in September there is 70 -75 F.
For the comfortable and upscale tour check Isram World of Travel www.isram.com, the company I was using when I planned my trip to Eastern Europe last year.
May 8th, 2009, 11:08 AM
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I went to Prague about 3 yrs ago and just got back from Budapest. I would be ok with Budapest if I've no comparion. But having been to Prague, I don't think Budapest matches the charm and beauty.
So, if you go to Prague already, you may be disappointed with Budapest. Both are nice in their own ways, but Prague is more picturesque and less grubby (as mentioned by julia).
So, if you go to Prague already, you may be disappointed with Budapest. Both are nice in their own ways, but Prague is more picturesque and less grubby (as mentioned by julia).
May 8th, 2009, 11:38 AM
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I've been to both Prague and Budapest. I went to B first . . . it is kinda ugly . . . grey stone buildings, unsmiling people . . . lots of smokers . . . you realize quickly this was a communist country. But once you get past that and start looking, you'll find it does have charm, the people can be friendly (but reserved), the food is great if you like meat, potatoes, onions (I do), the baths are fun. There is a lot of history in Budapest.
Prague is a gorgeous city, it gave up quickly in WWII and was hardly bombed; therefore, the buildings were saved. Prague and Budapest are quite the contrast.
If you have to pick only two cities, I vote with the others . . . Prague and Dubrovnik (I am visiting there this summer and really interested in reading the comments above). Save Budapest to pair with Vienna on another trip.
Have a great trip whichever pair you decide,
Sandy (in Denton)
Prague is a gorgeous city, it gave up quickly in WWII and was hardly bombed; therefore, the buildings were saved. Prague and Budapest are quite the contrast.
If you have to pick only two cities, I vote with the others . . . Prague and Dubrovnik (I am visiting there this summer and really interested in reading the comments above). Save Budapest to pair with Vienna on another trip.
Have a great trip whichever pair you decide,
Sandy (in Denton)
May 8th, 2009, 03:15 PM
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I have not been to Budapest so my response is of course biased, but I have been to Prague and Dubrovnik and I think they'd make a magical combination and a nice contrast. Both are amazingly beautiful and very charming. Have an awesome trip!
May 8th, 2009, 03:27 PM
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Dubrovnik is incredibly romantic and perfect for a honeymoon. To me, there isn't really a question of where you should go. Like others, I found Budapest to be nice but it isn't on my list of places to visit again. Dubrovnik, on the other hand, I would return to any day in a heartbeat! You can't help but relax there and every where you look is a timeless photograph. The food and wine are delicious, the people warm and welcoming. I could really go on and on about it. Prague is amazing, too.
May 8th, 2009, 05:01 PM
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Well, I've been to all three, and the only one I've been back to is Budapest... However, for a honeymoon I'd probably pick Dubrovnik, but do try to visit when there are no cruise ships in town. I would only revisit Prague in the winter, because it was overrun with tourists, and I had the same problem with Dubrovnik when there was a cruise ship in town - it's just not big enough to absorb the hordes.
I prefer Budapest precisely because it feels more like a "real" city than a tourist attraction, and because there is a lot to do there.
I prefer Budapest precisely because it feels more like a "real" city than a tourist attraction, and because there is a lot to do there.
May 8th, 2009, 07:23 PM
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I've only been in Prague so can't really help you to choose between the three cities. Just have to say Prague is absolutely beautiful, great architecture, and historic, and romantic. Food is cheap and great, I had friends there so been at restaurants for local people, not just for tourists. would love to go back sometimes.
May 9th, 2009, 03:32 AM
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havent been to budapest
but dubrovnik is a fine fine place
and would be a nice contrast to prague
we had no problems with tourists
i didnt even notice them and how can i complain when i am one myself lol?
but dubrovnik is a fine fine place
and would be a nice contrast to prague
we had no problems with tourists
i didnt even notice them and how can i complain when i am one myself lol?
May 9th, 2009, 03:47 AM
#12
hi travelcoutr,
I've been to all three too - [lucky me!] Prague and budapest within the last 5 years, and Dubrovnik on honeymoon an amazing 31 years ago. [no, i know I don't look old enough, you can see that too!, how kind]
i too would favour Prague and Dubrovnik - they are both lovely and different to each other, which is always a plus on any holiday. Budapest, though we liked it a lot, is too much like Prague to want to include them both in the same trip, and Prague wins over Budapest every time.
give dubrovnik our love,
regards, ann
I've been to all three too - [lucky me!] Prague and budapest within the last 5 years, and Dubrovnik on honeymoon an amazing 31 years ago. [no, i know I don't look old enough, you can see that too!, how kind]
i too would favour Prague and Dubrovnik - they are both lovely and different to each other, which is always a plus on any holiday. Budapest, though we liked it a lot, is too much like Prague to want to include them both in the same trip, and Prague wins over Budapest every time.
give dubrovnik our love,
regards, ann
May 11th, 2009, 10:21 AM
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Another Yea vote for Dubrovnik. What a stunning city! We will be in Prague this fall, can't wait for that. We have a trip report on Fodor's (there are two, "day one" morphs to all the days and the other is a mini report), just click our sign in to explore. Happy Wedding and happy, safe travels. Shirley
May 13th, 2009, 02:12 AM
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Another vote for Dubrovnik! I like Budapest a lot, but since you are already visiting Prague (the other central-European city that is most similar to Budapest) I would suggest Dubrovnik because it is completely different. After a few days in Prague it will be nice to be out of the city and by the sea.
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